Words of Jesus: Monday, April 6, 2026

Luke 11:37-44    “While he was speaking, a Pharisee asked him to dine with him; so he went in and sat at table. The Pharisee was astonished to see that he did not first wash before dinner. And the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of extortion and wickedness. You fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside also? But give for alms those things which are within; and behold, everything is clean for you. “But woe to you Pharisees! for you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God; these you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. Woe to you Pharisees! for you love the best seat in the synagogues and salutations in the market places. Woe to you! for you are like graves which are not seen, and men walk over them without knowing it.””

 RSV

Jesus is invited to diner at the home of a Pharisee, who then is surprised that Jesus did not observe a washing ritual of the Pharisees.  Jesus is amazingly direct and condemning to the Pharisee as He knows what the Pharisee is thinking. In our previous readings it appears routine that Jesus addresses the deep needs of those He encounters.  In many cases those coming to Jesus need a physical and spiritual healing. In some cases, like this encounter with the Pharisee, there is need for a correction, even a rebuke. 

Dear Jesus, as I invite you into my life, what do you want to rebuke, correct, and heal?  Amen.